Characterizing the tumor-draining lymph nodes and other immune sites in renal cell carcinoma

The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the phenotype, anti-tumor effector functions, and TCR repertoire of T cells isolated from patient tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) to understand T cell priming and trafficking patterns in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). Data and biospecimen collected will be used for current and future research projects involving the study of kidney cancer biology and related medical conditions. We will use this valuable resource to ask clinically relevant translational questions that pertain to biomarker discovery/validation, identification of novel therapeutic targets, and to better understand the genetic and biological basis of the various kidney cancers.